With IPL 2025 just days away, the Delhi Capitals (DC) are yet to announce their captain for the upcoming season. Two names stand out as leading candidates: KL Rahul and Axar Patel. However, reports suggest that KL Rahul may miss a few matches, leaving DC in a dilemma over their leadership decision.
In this article, we analyze the captaincy records of KL Rahul and Axar Patel in IPL history to see who could be the better leader for DC.
KL Rahul’s IPL Captaincy Record
KL Rahul has extensive experience leading IPL teams, having captained Punjab Kings (2020-2021) and Lucknow Super Giants (2022-2024). Across 64 matches as captain, Rahul has:
- Won: 31 matches
- Lost: 31 matches
- Tied: 2 matches
- Win Percentage: 48.43%
Performance as Captain
- Led Lucknow Super Giants to the playoffs twice (2022, 2023), but was eliminated in the Eliminator both times.
- Consistently among the top run-scorers in the tournament.
- Often criticized for slow strike rate and conservative captaincy in pressure situations.
Despite being a proven leader, KL Rahul’s inability to win knockout games and deliver under high-pressure situations has raised concerns over his captaincy effectiveness.
Axar Patel’s IPL Captaincy Record
Unlike KL Rahul, Axar Patel has never captained an IPL team. However, he has been a crucial all-rounder for Delhi Capitals over the years and a natural leader in the squad.
Strengths as a Captaincy Option
- Key performer with both bat and ball for DC.
- Experience in high-pressure situations and a strong tactical mindset.
- Vice-captaincy experience under Rishabh Pant at DC.
- Strong contender for the captaincy role if KL Rahul misses games.
While Axar lacks captaincy experience, his familiarity with DC’s core team and his all-round abilities could make him a strong leader for IPL 2025.
Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2025 Squad
Batters & All-rounders:
- KL Rahul
- Harry Brook (withdrawn)
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Karun Nair
- Faf du Plessis
- Donovan Ferreira
- Axar Patel
- Sameer Rizvi
- Ashutosh Sharma
Bowlers:
- Mitchell Starc
- T Natarajan
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohit Sharma
- Dushmantha Chameera
Who Should Captain DC in IPL 2025?
With KL Rahul likely to miss some matches, Axar Patel appears to be the frontrunner to take over as captain. Rahul’s experience in leading IPL teams could give him an edge, but Axar’s strong leadership qualities and familiarity with DC’s squad make him a viable option.
As Delhi Capitals remain the only franchise yet to confirm their captain, fans eagerly await the official announcement ahead of IPL 2025.
